PIGEON FORGE — Count a litter of puppies among the lucky escapees of the Sevier County wildfire that’s engulfed about 160 acres and damaged or destroyed some 65 cabins.

Pigeon Forge public works employees discovered the seven mixed breed pups hidden beneath a cabin in the path of the fire as they worked to shut off utilities in a cabin. Authorities had to lift up floorboards to get to them.

The mama dog, likely feral, was nowhere to be found. She may have fled as the flames advanced.

The animals — squealing mightily — were brought down from the scene and tended to. They will be taken to the animal shelter in Pigeon Forge.